My Thoughts on Faith, Theology, Politics, and Government

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This and That 07-21-12

Why Disabilities? – There are 600 million people with disabilities in the world? Why so many? What’s God’s purpose in this? God’s purpose? Surely a good God has nothing to do with people having disabilities? Yet, in Exodus 4v11, God claims a role in disability: “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” But why? Why disability, Lord? What’s your purpose? – David Murray

Ross Douthat’s real message: ‘Faith without works is dead’ – New York Times columnist Ross Douthat has penned an interesting and thought-provoking column on liberal Christianity. But I suspect many will miss his fundamental point — that modern Christianity must include both faith and works — that it should encompass a sincere theological belief (in such things as the virgin birth, resurrection, authenticity of miracles, etc.), while simultaneously calling on its adherents to help the poor and feed the hungry. – Matt Lewis

Church or Conference—Which Do You Love More? – I hear a lot about people being blessed, challenged, and refreshed when they go away to gatherings of believers at conferences or events. I see posts on blogs and Facebook about how much individuals look forward to going away from their church to meet with believers. Whether it is Promise Keepers, Bible conferences, or crusades of times past or the T4G, Gospel Coalition, or one of various women’s conferences or issue-oriented gatherings of present Evangelicalism, many are seeking extraordinary experiences of worship, fellowship, edification and even evangelism outside of the local church. These are not badevents or organizations per se, but I think when we seek outside of the local church what God has designed the local church body to provide, they are not the best events to focus on, love, and long for either. – Pearson Johnson

What Do You Think of eHarmony? – So here’s the rub: Any question about eHarmony or online dating is not a question of truth or error, but a matter of wisdom. The question that demands an answer is whether it wise to use a dating service in an attempt to find a spouse. That answer will vary from person-to-person and it will depend on many factors unique to the individual and his context. – Tim Challies

But What If I Don’t Feel Saved? – The answer is to keep believing the gospel, to keep your hand on the head of the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how we feel at any given moment, how encouraged or discouraged we feel about our spiritual progress, how hot or cold our love for Jesus, the answer is always the same—exercise faith in the gospel. – J.D. Greear